News Details

Section of I-55 to be named in honor of fallen soldier

11/26/2018

A section of I-55 near Towanda will soon be renamed in honor of a local fallen soldier, Sgt. Anthony Maddox.

“We are free because today because of the sacrifice of brave men and women like Sgt. Maddox,” said State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington). “We owe it to him, and them, to keep their memories alive so that they may inspire future generations.”

Sergeant Maddox died on July 22, 2013 from injuries received Andar, Afghanistan. Maddox was a graduate of Nederland High School and was assigned to the 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in Fort Drum New York and was serving as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Senate Joint Resolution 56 designates Interstate 55 between Exits 167 and 171 as the Sergeant Anthony R. Maddox Memorial Highway, and directs IDOT to install signage to show the name.

The legislation passed the Illinois Senate on May 25th, and was recently approved in the House, where it was sponsored by State Representative Dan Brady (R-Bloomington), on November 14th.